How to Host a Dedicated Server on Ark

Hello Dev! Welcome to our guide on hosting a dedicated server on Ark. Whether you’re a gamer or an avid fan of the game, creating your own server can be a fun and engaging experience. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know to set up your very own server and start playing with your friends. Let’s get started!

Understanding Dedicated Servers

Before we start, let’s go over what a dedicated server is. A dedicated server is a type of server that is used solely by one user or organization. In other words, it’s a server that you can rent or purchase and have complete control over. When you host a dedicated server on Ark, you’ll have the ability to customize the settings, mods, and players that are allowed on the server.

If you’re interested in hosting a dedicated server on Ark, there are a few things you’ll need to know before you get started. First, you’ll need to have a decent computer to act as the server. Secondly, you’ll need to purchase the game itself and have it installed on your computer. Lastly, you’ll need to have some basic knowledge of networking and server administration.

System Requirements

The first thing you’ll need to do is make sure your computer meets the minimum system requirements for hosting a dedicated server on Ark. Here are the minimum requirements:

Operating System	CPU	RAM	Storage
Windows 7/8/10 (64-bit)	2 GHz Dual-Core	8 GB	100 GB SSD

If your computer meets these requirements, you’re good to go! If not, you may need to consider upgrading your hardware before proceeding.

Setting up Port Forwarding

The next step is to set up port forwarding on your router. This is necessary so that players can connect to your server from outside your local network. Here’s how to set up port forwarding:

1. Log in to your router’s admin panel
2. Navigate to the port forwarding section
3. Add a new rule for port 27015 (or the port you want to use)
4. Save the changes

Once you’ve set up port forwarding, players should be able to connect to your server using your public IP address.

Installing Ark Server Software

The next step is to download and install the Ark server software. Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to the Steam website and log in to your account
2. Go to the Ark Dedicated Server page and click “Download”
3. Save the installation files to your computer
4. Run the installation file and follow the prompts

Once the installation is complete, you should see a new folder in your Steam directory called “ark_dedicated_server”. This folder contains all the files you’ll need to run your server.

Configuring Your Server

The next step is to configure your server settings. Here’s how to do it:

1. Navigate to the “ark_dedicated_server” folder in your Steam directory
2. Open the “ShooterGame” folder
3. Open the “Saved” folder
4. Open the “Config” folder
5. Edit the “GameUserSettings.ini” file to your liking
6. Save the changes

The “GameUserSettings.ini” file contains all the settings for your server, including player count, difficulty level, and more. Be sure to read through the file carefully and make any necessary changes before saving.

Adding Mods

If you want to add mods to your server, you’ll need to follow these steps:

1. Subscribe to the mods on the Steam Workshop
2. Navigate to the “ark_dedicated_server” folder in your Steam directory
3. Open the “ShooterGame” folder
4. Open the “Content” folder
5. Open the “Mods” folder
6. Create a new folder with the name of the mod (ex: “123456789”)
7. Copy the mod files into the new folder

Once you’ve added the mods, you’ll need to enable them by adding them to the “GameUserSettings.ini” file.

Launching Your Server

The final step is to launch your server. Here’s how to do it:

1. Navigate to the “ark_dedicated_server” folder in your Steam directory
2. Double-click the “ShooterGameServer.exe” file
3. Wait for the server to start up
4. Join your own server to test it out

Once your server is up and running, you can invite other players to join by sharing your public IP address with them. You can also customize the server settings further by logging in as an admin and using the console commands.

FAQ

What is a dedicated server?

A dedicated server is a type of server that is used solely by one user or organization. When you host a dedicated server on Ark, you’ll have the ability to customize the settings, mods, and players that are allowed on the server.

What are the system requirements for hosting a dedicated server on Ark?

The minimum system requirements for hosting a dedicated server on Ark are:

Operating System	CPU	RAM	Storage
Windows 7/8/10 (64-bit)	2 GHz Dual-Core	8 GB	100 GB SSD

How do I set up port forwarding?

To set up port forwarding, you’ll need to log in to your router’s admin panel, navigate to the port forwarding section, and add a new rule for port 27015 (or the port you want to use).

How do I install the Ark server software?

To install the Ark server software, you’ll need to download the installation files from the Steam website and run the installation file on your computer.

How do I configure my server settings?

To configure your server settings, you’ll need to navigate to the “GameUserSettings.ini” file in the “ark_dedicated_server” folder and make any necessary changes.

How do I add mods to my server?

To add mods to your server, you’ll need to subscribe to the mods on the Steam Workshop, copy the mod files into the “Mods” folder in the “ark_dedicated_server” folder, and enable them in the “GameUserSettings.ini” file.

How do I launch my server?

To launch your server, you’ll need to double-click the “ShooterGameServer.exe” file in the “ark_dedicated_server” folder and wait for the server to start up.

That’s it for our guide on hosting a dedicated server on Ark. We hope you found this article helpful and informative. Good luck with your server!